24 Weeks

We are now at 24 weeks and Nash has graduated to the size of an eggplant. Hard to believe this is fitting inside me:


Everything is going smoothly, though. I'm able to feel him move every day, which is bizarre and wonderful all at the same time. It's especially interesting when he decides my bladder is his own personal punching bag.

We've been full-steam ahead on the nursery and it is turning out better than we could have imagined. Last weekend we embarked on installing chair railing on our own. Let me begin by first saying that Nathan and I really aren't DIY-ers. But after getting the quote from a handy man, we decided to give it a shot. Nathan was sure that it would only take an hour - maybe two - to measure, cut, and install... 8 hours later, we finally put the finishing touches on it. :) The hardest part was the angles and math involved - it's been awhile since we've used those rusty Geometry skills. But nonetheless, we got it installed and it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. Here's Nathan + Jackson enjoying his morning cup of joe the next day.



The furniture is set to arrive by late October. Our crib is in, but the rest is on back-order. We attempted to pick it up this weekend, but discovered the box was much too big for our 4Runner, so we'll have to wait to have it delivered with the rest of the furniture. Makes us really wish we had a truck.

On a non-baby note, who else is ready for fall?! I'm ready for crisp days, changing leaves, decorating with gords, and pumpkin-flavored everything! It's my favorite time of the year and it is so close I can taste it (or maybe it's just the yummy pumpkin spice lattes I have been enjoying). I hope it comes soon!

It's a boy!!

We found out on Tuesday that Nugget is indeed a healthy baby boy. We are so happy to be able to call him by name now - Nash Douglas Pyles. He was very active during the ultrasound, doing all sorts of dance moves and showing off his stuff. It was precious. We've enjoyed re-watching the DVD with our parents - they are very proud Grandmas and Grandpas.

Once I finally knew what the gender was, the Nesting bug hit in full force! I have been looking at bedding, paint colors, nursery themes, and everything in between. Today we bought some of Nash's first outfits - and he is going to be so cute. We also purchased his bedding today from Pottery Barn Kids.



We're not sure about colors or theme yet, but know we want to do something simple and timeless that he can grow into. It's been so fun to look at all the different options and pretty overwhelming. We'll have to keep ourselves in check because there is so much you can buy but not necessarily things he actually needs. I'm sure that is something we will be reminding ourselves of many times throughout the coming years. :)

20 weeks down - 20 more to go!

Mango Mania

We are officially to the Mango phase. That's right, Nugget is the size of a mango now. I feel like he/she should be so much bigger considering the size of my stomach...and well, really, the rest of me. We find out on Tuesday (yes, 2 days away!) whether Nugget is a boy or a girl. I cannot wait! We shopped the web for baby bedding and decorations this weekend. While either gender would be wonderful, I have to admit that girls' stuff is way more fun and cute. Look at this amazing bedding we found on Target.com:


Lizzie by Cotton Tale

Everyone asks if I have a hunch or intuition about whether it's a boy or a girl. The truth is, I really don't. I'm not sure that I have allowed myself to really get attached to either one since we don't know what God has in store. I have been afraid to think, "Oh, yes, it's definitely a girl" for fear that I might be disappointed if it is really a boy (or vice versa). I really think either would be wonderful. And at the end of the day, what I want really doesn't matter, does it?

In 48 hours, we will know!

A little flutter...

Tonight I felt my first little flutter from Nugget. What a neat feeling! It's nice to know he/she is really in there. I cannot wait to call them by name - just 11 more days to go until we find out. We started registering 2 weekends ago in Oklahoma with my parents. It was fun to see all the different products out there - for like 2 minutes and then it was just overwhelming! There are so many things to see and think about. It's hard to know what is essential and what is just really good shopper marketing. Thus far, we have only started our Babys R Us registry. We also made our first function-over-fashion furniture purchase at Mathis Brothers (love that store!) while we were in Oklahoma. We got this amazing recliner:

Beautiful? Not at all. But amazingly comfortable. It hugs you and reclines almost completely to 180 degrees. There will be many nights spent in this comfy chair rocking a precious baby.

Nugget is currently the size of a sweet potato. I decided to compare this to my belly at the grocery store this week.


(sorry - lookin' a little rough in the pic but you get the idea)


To end this post, I will leave you with a group opinion poll. Is Nugget a boy or a girl? :)

Week 16

Yesterday, Nathan and I ordered Nugget's nursery furniture. We cannot wait to find out if it's a he or she so we can really start setting up the nursery. We got the set below in an espresso wood color. We got the crib, the double dresser, and the hutch. Can't wait!


Baby's Dream - Legendary Collection


Everything is going smoothly with the pregnancy - I felt the first little flutter in my belly last night, which was just amazing. I know that I will be able to feel it more strongly in the coming weeks which is exciting to think about. I seem to be getting bigger each day!

Last week we had some dear friends to our house who just moved back to the area. They brought with them their precious little 9 month old girl. It was the first time we've had a baby in our house and it was so fun to watch and experience a glimpse of what it will be like when our baby arrives. Of course, we won't have a little one who is crawling and exploring right from day one. :) The dogs were a whole nother story, though. They were so interested in her and wanted to make friends quickly. Unfortunately, they were a little over eager. We'll have to work on them getting used to a new family member in a more calm way! I'll leave you with a picture of my precious pups - our babies for now. :)

Week 14

Entering week 14 this week - which means a close to the 1st trimester, and hopefully all of its pesky symptoms.

Since I've been pregnant, I have traveled more than I ever have surprisingly. Nugget is already becoming a world traveler. We made our way to Phoenix for a couple days and even hopped the border to Montreal, Quebec for about 4 days. In another week or so, we're going to go check out New Orleans. :)

Nathan and I have definitely entered into the "really?" phase. While I can see myself getting bigger - everywhere - and we have seen our baby do all sorts of dance moves on a monitor, I still feel like it isn't real. Like there isn't really a baby growing inside me and that our life isn't really about to drastically change. We don't even know where to begin to prepare! I cannot wait to feel him/her move to give me reassurance that there is a life in there or to find out if it's a boy or girl so I can feel like I can really start planning. Just a few more weeks!

-A

Introducing...Nugget!

On Mother's Day, Nathan and I got the great surprise that we would be welcoming a new addition to our family. :) It seems only fitting that we publicly announce "Nugget" (as we are calling baby Pyles) on Father's Day.

This weekend we went to Cushing to have our first ultrasound by Dr. Tracy (my Father-in-Law). It was the coolest experience for many reasons. One, it confirmed that there really is a person growing inside there and I'm not just getting fat. Two, we were able to share it with both of our parents. And three, Nugget was doing all sorts of moves - I'm convinced he/she will be a great dancer! Below are some of the better shots we got.



I think this one looks like an alien. :)



How precious is that profile?!


The official due date is 1/7/2011. I am currently 11 weeks along and finishing out the first trimester. So far, I've been somewhat nauseous but not as bad as the horror stories I have heard. Mainly I am just exhausted and have way less energy than I am used to. Both me and the baby are healthy, though, and that is all that matters. Nathan and I couldn't be more excited!

Life's about to get interesting...